This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

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Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

AFTER SCHMIDT

Princess Helena, Alexandrine, Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Princess Louise, Gotha

1889 copy after an original of 1862

Carbon print | 17.6 x 13.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2906949

Photograph of a group portrait featuring, from left to right, Princess Helena (1846-1923), seated, looking at book she holds open on her lap. Alexandrine, Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1820-1904), seated and Princess Louise (1848-71), standing. Photograph taken in Coburg, Germany.

  • Creator(s)

    After Schmidt (photographer)

    Gustav William Henry Mullins (1854-1921) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)
    Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848-1939)
    Princess Alexandrine, Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1820-1904)

  • annotation: [numbering or sitters] 1. Pcs Helena. 2. Dss of Saxe Coburg & Gotha 3. Princess Louise / 1862/ Gotha. [BREAK] Schmidt. [beneath work]

  • 17.6 x 13.7 cm (image)

    28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

    29.5 x 25.0 x 5.0 cm (album)

  • Princess Helena, Alexandrine, Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Princess Louise, 1862 [Photographic Portraits Vol.3/61 1856-1863]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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